Air purifier

ABSTRACT

An air purifier capable of maximizing air purification capacity thereof while having a minimum installation area. The air purifier including a body, a suction unit arranged at a lower portion of the body, having a suction port to intake air, a discharge unit arranged at an upper portion of the body, having a discharge port to output the intake air, a blowing unit arranged within the body, to blow air from the suction unit to the discharge unit, and a filter unit arranged within the body, to purify the blown air, wherein at least one of the suction port and the discharge port has a surface that is inclined from a central axis of the body, wherein the filter unit has a filter surface, through which air passes, the filter surface being inclined from the central axis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application Nos.10-2014-0145279, filed on Oct. 24, 2014; 10-2014-0152980, filed on Nov.5, 2014; 10-2014-0152982, filed on Nov. 5, 2014; and 10-2014-0152983,filed on Nov. 5, 2014, the entire disclosure of each is incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure relates to an air purifier, and more particularlyto an air purifier capable of maximizing air purification capacity whilehaving a minimum installation area (i.e., apparatus footprint).

2. Description of the Related Art

An air purifier is an apparatus for converting contaminated air intofresh air through purification. An air purifier intakes contaminated airby a fan, and collects fine dust and/or bacteria from the intake air bya filter while removing odor components such as body odor and cigarettesmells.

The air purifier as mentioned above should effectively removecontaminants contained in air while minimizing energy consumption.Additionally, the air purifier should not only have an increased airpurification capacity while occupying a reduced space when installed inan indoor space, but also provide convenience of use.

SUMMARY

It is an object to provide an air purifier capable of maximizing airpurification capacity thereof while having a minimum installation area.

The above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of anair purifier including a body, a suction unit arranged at a lowerportion of the body, and formed with a suction port, to intake air, adischarge unit arranged at an upper portion of the body, and formed witha discharge port, to output the intake air, a blowing unit arrangedwithin the body, to blow air from the suction unit to the dischargeunit, and a filter unit arranged within the body, to purify the blownair, wherein at least one of the suction port and the discharge port hasa surface that is inclined from a central axis of the body, wherein thefilter unit has a filter surface, through which air passes, the filtersurface being inclined from the central axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features, and other advantages will be moreclearly understood from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an air purifier according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the air purifier illustrated inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the air purifier illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the air purifier illustratedin FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a part of the configuration ofthe air purifier illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a portion of the airpurifier illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating coupling of a part of the configuration inthe air purifier illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8A is an exploded perspective view illustrating a filter unit ofthe air purifier illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8B is a lateral cross-sectional view of the filter unit illustratedin FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the filter unit illustrated in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating mounting of the filter unit illustratedin FIG. 8A;

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating mounting of the filter unit in the airpurifier illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a part of a lower structure of the airpurifier illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a part of an inner structure of the airpurifier illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view illustrating a part of the air purifierillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a rear view of a blowing body in the air purifier illustratedin FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a blowing fan in the air purifierillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a part of a structure of the blowing unitin the air purifier illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view illustrating an upper part of the airpurifier illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the air purifier illustrated in FIG. 1;and

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating a function of a lighting unit in the airpurifier illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is a side view illustrating the shape of the motor domeillustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 22 is a side view illustrating several inclination angles for thesuction port of the air purifier illustrated in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of whichare illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, the presentdisclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to thoseskilled in the art. The present disclosure is defined by the categoriesof the claims. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers may be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described with reference tothe drawings for explaining air purifiers according to embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an air purifier according to anembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective viewof the air purifier illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a side view of theair purifier illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspectiveview of the air purifier illustrated in FIG. 1.

The air purifier according to the illustrated embodiment of the presentinvention includes a base 110, a body 120 having a cylindrical shape ata portion thereof, a suction unit 130 provided at a lower portion ofbody 120, and formed with a suction port 130 a, to intake air (i.e.,suck in air), a discharge unit 160 provided at an upper portion of body120, and formed with a discharge port 160 a, through which the intakeair sucked into suction port 130 a is discharged, and a blowing unit 180disposed within body 120, to blow air from the side of suction unit 130to the side of discharge unit 160.

In the following description, “front”, “rear”, “forward direction”,“rearward direction”, “left direction”, “right direction”, “upwarddirection”, and “downward direction” refer to those of FIGS. 1 to 3. Theupward and downward directions are directions perpendicular to a surface(e.g., floor), on which the air purifier is seated. The downwarddirection is a gravity direction, whereas the upward direction is adirection reverse to the downward direction. The forward and rearwarddirections and the left and right directions are directions parallel tothe surface (e.g., floor). The left and right directions are directionsperpendicular to the forward and rearward directions. The front is aside, at which a front panel 121 to be described later is arranged. Therear is a side, at which a rear panel 122 to be described later isarranged. The left direction is directed left from a central axis SA ofbody 120, namely, a central axis of body 120, whereas the rightdirection is directed right from the central axis SA of body 120. Thecentral axis SA is perpendicular to the surface (e.g., floor), on whichthe air purifier is seated, while being parallel to the upward anddownward directions. A horizontal direction is parallel to the surface(e.g., floor), on which the air purifier is seated.

Base 110 is seated on the surface (e.g., floor), to support body 120.Base 110 has a circular periphery. Base 110 may have a hollow centralportion, to take a ring shape.

Base 110 is coupled to body 120. Body 120 and suction unit 130 arecoupled to a top of base 110. Body 120 is coupled to a frontsemicircular portion of base 110. Suction unit 130 is rotatably coupledto a rear semicircular portion of base 110, to which body 120 is notcoupled. The rear side of the rear semicircular portion of base 110 isspaced apart from the rear side of suction unit 130.

Body 120 has, at a portion thereof, a cylindrical shape having a centralaxis SA perpendicular to the surface (e.g., floor). Body 120 is coupledto the top of base 110, to be supported by base 110. The cylindricalportion of body 120 has a circular horizontal cross-section and, assuch, has a periphery coinciding or almost coinciding with the peripheryof base 110.

Discharge unit 160 is arranged at an upper portion of body 120, whereassuction unit 130 is arranged at a lower portion of body 120. Blowingunit 180 is arranged within body 120, together with a duct 151. Base 110is coupled to a bottom of body 120. In detail, body 120 is coupled tothe front semicircular portion of base 110.

Body 120 includes a front panel 121 having a half-cylindrical shape, arear panel 122 coupled to an upper portion of front panel 121 whilehaving a half-cylindrical shape, an inner panel 129 disposed at a rearside of front panel 121, and coupled to base 110, and a handle 123coupled to side surfaces of front panel 121 and rear panel 122.

Front panel 121 is formed to have a half-cylindrical shape, and definesa front appearance of body 120. At least one horizontal cross-section offront panel 121 may have a semicircular shape.

Front panel 121 has a lower end with a periphery defining a surfaceperpendicular to the central axis SA, namely, parallel to the floor, onwhich air purifier is seated. The periphery of the lower end of frontpanel 121 has a semicircular shape. The lower-end periphery of frontpanel 121 may coincide or almost coincide with the periphery of thefront semicircular portion of base 110, to fit the periphery of thefront semicircular portion of base 110.

Front panel 121 has an upper end with a periphery defining a surfaceinclined from the central axis SA. The surface defined by the peripheryof the upper end of front panel 121 extends in forward and upwarddirections. The upper-end periphery of front panel 121 has a parabolicshape. The surface defined by the upper-end periphery of front panel 121may coincide with a surface defined by the periphery of an upper end ofdischarge port 160 a or may be parallel thereto. That is, the upper-endperiphery of front panel 121 may coincide or almost coincide with afront portion of the upper-end periphery of discharge port 160 a, to fitthe front portion of the upper-end periphery of discharge port 160 a.

The side surface of front panel 121 is open at a portion thereof, toallow handle 123 to be coupled thereto.

Inner panel 129, blowing unit 180, duct 151 and discharge unit 160 arearranged at the rear side of front panel 121. Front panel 121 isdisposed to overlap the half-cylindrical inner panel 129. Front panel121 has a rear surface facing a front surface of inner panel 129. Base110 is disposed beneath front panel 121.

Rear panel 122 is formed to have a half-cylindrical shape, and defines arear appearance of body 120. At least one horizontal cross-section ofrear panel 122 may have a semicircular shape. Rear panel 122 is coupledto the upper portion of front panel 121 at the rear side of front panel121, thereby forming a cylindrical appearance. Rear panel 122 isdisposed over suction unit 130, thereby forming a half-cylindrical rearappearance.

Rear panel 122 has an upper end with a periphery defining a surfaceinclined from the central axis SA. The surface defined by the upper-endperiphery of rear panel 122 extends in forward and upward directions.The upper-end periphery of rear panel 122 has a parabolic shape. Thesurface defined by the upper-end periphery of rear panel 122 is in thesame plane as the surface defined by the upper-end periphery of frontpanel 121. The upper-end periphery of rear panel 122 may extend to bejoined with the upper-end periphery of front panel 121 and, as such, anoval shape is formed.

The surface defined by the upper-end periphery of rear panel 122 maycoincide with the surface defined by the upper-end periphery ofdischarge port 160 a or may be parallel thereto. That is, the upper-endperiphery of rear panel 122 may coincide or almost coincide with a rearportion of the upper-end periphery of discharge port 160 a, to fit therear portion of the upper-end periphery of discharge port 160 a.

Rear panel 122 has a lower end with a periphery defining a surfaceinclined from the central axis SA. The surface defined by the peripheryof the lower end of rear panel 122 extends in rearward and downwarddirections. The lower-end periphery of rear panel 122 has a parabolicshape. The surface defined by the lower-end periphery of rear panel 122may be parallel to the surface defined by the upper-end periphery ofrear panel 122.

The surface defined by the lower-end periphery of rear panel 122 maycoincide with a surface defined by a portion of the upper-end peripheryof suction unit 130 or may be parallel thereto. That is, the lower-endperiphery of rear panel 122 may coincide or almost coincide with aportion of the upper-end periphery of suction unit 130, to fit theportion of the upper-end periphery of suction unit 130.

The side surface of rear panel 122 is open at a portion thereof, toallow handle 123 to be coupled thereto.

Blowing unit 180, duct 151 and discharge unit 160 are arranged at afront side of rear panel 122. A filter unit 140 is disposed beneath rearpanel 122, together with suction unit 130.

Inner panel 129 has a half-cylindrical shape, and is coupled to the topof base 110 at a front side of base 110. At least one horizontalcross-section of inner panel 129 may have a semicircular shape.

Inner panel 129 has a lower end with a periphery defining a surfaceperpendicular to the central axis SA, namely, parallel to the floor, onwhich the air purifier is seated. Inner panel 129 is coupled, at a lowerend thereof, to a top of the front semicircular portion of base 110.Lower-end periphery of inner panel 129 may have a smaller radius thanthe periphery of base 110.

Inner panel 129 has an upper end with a periphery defining a surfaceperpendicular to the central axis SA, namely, parallel to the floor, onwhich the air purifier is seated. The surface defined by the upper-endperiphery of inner panel 129 is parallel to the surface defined by thelower-end periphery of inner panel 129. The upper end of inner panel 129is coupled to blowing unit 180.

Inner panel 129 is arranged to overlap front panel 121. The frontsurface of inner panel 129 faces the rear surface of front panel 121.Blowing unit 180 is arranged over inner panel 129. Filter unit 140 andsuction unit 130 are arranged at a rear side of inner panel 129.

Inner panel 129 guides air introduced through the inclinedly formedsuction port 130 a to flow upwards. Inner panel 129 is arranged toextend vertically while surrounding an upper portion of the surfacedefined by the periphery of suction port 130 a and, as such, guides airpassing through filter unit 140 after entering suction port 130 a suchthat the guided air flows to blowing unit 180.

Handle 123 is formed to extend to the inside of body 120 so as to allowthe user to grasp handle 123. Handle 123 may be coupled to the sidesurface of front panel 121 and/or the side surface of rear panel 122. Inthe illustrated embodiment, handle 123 is coupled to both front panel121 and rear panel 122 at opposite sides of the boundary between frontpanel 121 and rear panel 122. A plurality of handles 123 may beprovided.

Hereinafter, coupling of front panel 121, rear panel 122 and inner panel129 in body 120 and coupling thereof to other configurations will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7.

Suction unit 130 is provided with suction port 130 a and, as such,intakes ambient air. Suction unit 130 is arranged at the lower portionof body 120. Suction unit 130 is disposed beneath rear panel 122.Suction unit 130 is coupled to the rear side of inner panel 129 whilebeing disposed at the rear side of front panel 121. The rear side ofsuction unit 130 is arranged over base 110 while being spaced apart frombase 110 in an upward direction.

The surface defined by the periphery of suction port 130 a in suctionunit 130 is formed to be inclined from the central axis SA of thecylindrical portion of body 120. The surface defined by the periphery ofsuction port 130 a is inclined from a horizontal direction toward frontpanel 121, to extend in forward and upward (rearward and downward)directions. Suction port 130 a is formed to allow intake of air in adirection inclined from the central axis SA of the cylindrical portionof body 120. In detail, suction port 130 a is formed to allow air to besucked in forward and upward directions inclined from a front side wherefront panel 121 is arranged. Having a surface of the suction port 130 aand a surface of the discharge port 160 a inclined facilitates efficientair flow through the air purifier.

FIG. 22 illustrates several designs for the inclined suction port 130 a.Each design has a suction port which is inclined relative to thehorizontal direction (i.e., inclination angle). Three designs (cases 1,2, and 4) are set at the same angle, but vary in horizontal and verticalposition within the air purifier body. The other design (case 3) isslightly more vertical, 50 degrees versus 42 degrees. For the same flowrate, these illustrative changes affect the motor speed and noisegenerated. While a wide range of inclination angles are reasonable inthis invention, some are more preferable in order to optimize (maximizesuction area while meeting other criteria (e.g., motor speed, noise,etc.)) the design. An inclination angle range of 30-70 degrees ispreferred. An inclination angle range of 40-60 degrees is morepreferred. And an inclination angle range of 48-52 degrees is even morepreferred.

The periphery of suction port 130 a is formed to have an oval shape and,as such, suction port 130 a has a maximum suction area. Accordingly, amaximum amount of air is introduced into oval suction port 130 a. Thecross-section inclined from the central axis SA of cylindrical body 120has an oval shape. Accordingly, suction port 130 a is formed to have across-section corresponding to the oval cross-section and, as such, theamount of air sucked through suction port 130 a is maximized.

The surface defined by the periphery of suction port 130 a may befurther inclined from the horizontal direction than the surface definedby the upper-end periphery of discharge port 160 a. The surface definedby the periphery of suction port 130 a is inclined to be closer to avertical direction than the surface defined by the upper-end peripheryof discharge port 160 a and, as such, the suction area of suction port130 a is greater than the discharge area of discharge port 160 a.

In one embodiment, the suction port 130 a, discharge port 160 a, andfilter unit 140 are each inclined at substantially the same anglerelative to the central axis.

Base 110 is disposed beneath suction unit 130. Suction unit 130 isarranged to be spaced apart from the rear semicircular portion of base110. Air is sucked through the space between suction unit 130 and base110.

Filter unit 140 is seated in the inside of suction unit 130. Rear panel122 is arranged over suction unit 130. Inner panel 129 and front panel121 of body 120 are arranged at the front side of suction unit 130.

Suction unit 130 is rotatably coupled to inner panel 129 and base 110.Suction unit 130 is open from body 120 in downward and rearwarddirections, to allow filter unit 140 to be inserted into or separatedfrom body 120. This will be described in detail later with reference toFIGS. 11 to 13.

Suction unit 130 includes a suction panel 131 having a half-cylindricalshape, and a suction body 132, at which suction port 130 a is formed andin which filter unit 140 is seated.

Suction panel 131 has a half-cylindrical shape at a portion thereof, andforms a rear appearance. At least one horizontal cross-section ofsuction panel 131 may have a semicircular shape. Suction panel 131 iscoupled to the lower portion of front panel 121 at the rear side of thefront panel and, as such, forms a cylindrical appearance, together withbody 120. Suction panel 131 is arranged beneath rear panel 122 and, assuch, forms a half-cylindrical rear appearance.

Suction panel 131 has an upper end with a periphery defining a surfaceinclined from the central axis SA. The surface defined by the upper-endperiphery of suction panel 131 extends in forward and upward directions.The upper-end periphery of suction panel 131 has a parabolic shape. Thesurface defined by the upper-end periphery of suction panel 121 maycoincide with the surface defined by the lower-end periphery of rearpanel 122 or may be parallel thereto. The surface defined by theupper-end periphery of suction panel 121 may coincide or almost coincidewith the surface defined by the lower-end periphery of rear panel 122,to fit the latter surface.

Suction panel 131 has a filter identifier 131 b at a portion of theupper-end periphery thereof. Filter identifier 131 b is formed byopening the upper-end periphery portion of suction panel 131, to exposeoutwards a portion of filter unit 140. Filter identifier 131 b is formedby recessing the upper end of suction panel 131 in a downward direction,to form a U-shaped structure.

Suction panel 131 also has a lower end with a periphery defining asurface inclined from the central axis SA. The surface defined by thelower-end periphery of suction panel 131 extends in forward and upwarddirections. The lower-end periphery of suction panel 131 has a parabolicshape. The surface defined by the lower-end periphery of suction panel131 may be further inclined from the horizontal direction than thesurface defined by the upper-end periphery of suction panel 131. Thesurface defined by the lower-end periphery of suction panel 131 may beinclined to be closer to the vertical direction than the surface definedby the upper-end periphery of suction panel 131, to increase the suctionarea of suction port 130 a.

Suction body 132 is formed with oval suction port 130 a. Suction body132 is formed, at suction port 130 a thereof, with a suction grill132-1. Suction grill 132-1 of suction body 132 is formed at the surfacedefined by the periphery of suction port 130 a while taking a grillshape. Filter unit 140 is seated over suction grill 132-1. In anembodiment, suction grill 132-1 may be formed at suction panel 131.

The surface defined by suction grill 132-1 may be inclined from thecentral axis SA of the cylindrical portion of body 120 and, as such,filter unit 140 may be inclinedly arranged within body 120. The surfacedefined by suction grill 132-1 is inclined toward front panel 121, toextend in forward and upward (rearward and downward) directions, and, assuch, supports a lower surface of filter unit 140.

A filter support 132-2 is formed at a lower portion of suction body 132.Filter support 132-2 protrudes in a direction perpendicular to thesurface defined by suction grill 132-1. Filter support 132-2 supports aportion of the side surface of filter unit 140. Filter support 132-2protrudes from a lower-end periphery of suction body 132 while having aU-shaped cross-section.

Suction body 132 is coupled to suction panel 131 at an inside of suctionpanel 131. In an embodiment, suction body 132 and suction panel 131 maybe formed to have an integrated structure.

Filter unit 140 purifies the intake air sucked through suction port 130a. Filter unit 140 collects fine dust or bacteria from the intake airwhile removing odor components.

Filter unit 140 has an oval periphery. The cross-section inclined fromthe central axis SA of cylindrical body 120 has an oval shape.Accordingly, the periphery of filter unit 140 is formed to have an ovalshape corresponding to the oval cross-section.

Filter unit 140 has a filter surface, through which air passes. Thefilter surface of filter unit 140 has a periphery having an oval shapecorresponding to that of the oval periphery of filter unit 140. Thecross-section inclined from the central axis SA of cylindrical body 120has an oval shape. Accordingly, the filter surface of filter unit 140 isformed to have an oval shape corresponding to the oval cross-sectionand, as such, the amount of air sucked through filter unit 140 ismaximized.

Filter unit 140 is seated in suction unit 130 within body 120. Filterunit 140 is inclinedly arranged within body 120 while corresponding toinclined suction port 130 a. The filter surface of filter unit 140 isinclinedly arranged with respect to the central axis SA and, as such,the amount of air passing through filter unit 140 is maximized.

Filter unit 140 is separably coupled to suction unit 130.

A detailed description of filter unit 140 will be given later withreference to FIGS. 8 to 11.

Blowing unit 180 is arranged within body 120, to blow air in an upwarddirection. Blowing unit 180 has an almost circular periphery. Blowingunit 180 blows air in a direction perpendicular to the surface (e.g.,floor), on which the air purifier is seated. Blowing unit 180 isarranged between suction unit 130 and duct 151, to blow air from theside of suction unit 130 to the side of duct 151.

Blowing unit 180 is disposed over inner panel 129. Blowing unit 180 iscoupled, at a front side thereof, to a top of inner panel 129. Couplingbetween blowing unit 180 and inner panel 129 will be described laterwith reference to FIG. 5.

Blowing unit 180 includes a motor 189 for generating rotational force, ablowing fan 182 for blowing air through rotation thereof caused by motor189, a blowing unit body 181 coupled to body 120 while surrounding alower portion of blowing fan 182, a vane member 183 arranged overblowing fan 182, to guide air blown by blowing fan 182 toward dischargeunit 160, and a motor cover 184 arranged over a central portion of vanemember 183, to cover motor 189.

Blowing unit 180 will be described in more detail later with referenceto FIGS. 14 to 17.

Duct 151 is arranged over blowing unit 180, to guide air blown byblowing unit 180 toward discharge unit 160. Duct 151 is disposed withinbody 120. Duct 151 is coupled to a top side of blowing unit 180.Discharge unit 160 is disposed over duct 151.

Duct 151 has a lower end with a periphery defining a surfaceperpendicular to the central axis SA (namely, horizontally parallel tothe floor). The lower-end periphery of duct 151 may coincide or almostcoincide with the upper-end periphery of vane member 183, to fit theupper-end periphery of vane member 183. Duct 151 also has an upper endwith a periphery defining a surface inclined from the central axis SA.The upper-end periphery of duct 151 may coincide or almost coincide withthe lower-end periphery of discharge unit 160, to fit the lower-endperiphery of discharge unit 160. The upper-end periphery of duct 151coincides with the lower-end periphery of discharge port 160 a.

The surface defined by the upper-end periphery of duct 151 has a smallersize than the surface defined by the lower-end periphery of duct 151.Duct 151 has an air introduction area greater than an air discharge areathereof. That is, duct 151 has an air channel narrowing gradually in anupward direction. Air flows through the air channel. As the internal airchannel of duct 151 is narrowed in an air flow direction, the velocityof air flowing through the air channel is increased.

Duct 151 may be formed to guide air discharged to discharge unit 160 toflow in forward and upward directions. The shape of duct 151 will bedescribed later with reference to FIG. 18.

A duct grill 152 is disposed at a top of duct 151. Duct grill 152prevents foreign matter from being introduced into duct 151 and/orblowing unit 180 through discharge port 160 a. Duct grill 152 isarranged between duct 151 and discharge unit 160.

Discharge unit 160 is formed with discharge port 160 a, to discharge airto the outside. Discharge unit 160 is disposed over duct 151. Dischargeunit 160 is arranged at a top of body 120.

The surface defined by the upper-end periphery of discharge port 160 aof discharge unit 160 is inclined from the central axis SA of thecylindrical portion of body 120. The surface defined by the upper-endperiphery of discharge port 160 a extends in forward and upwarddirections. Discharge port 160 a is formed to discharge air in adirection inclined from the central axis SA of the cylindrical portionof body 120. Discharge port 160 a is formed to discharge air in forwardand upward directions. As discharge port 160 a is formed to dischargeair in forward and upward directions, it is possible to preventdischarged air from again entering suction port 130 a disposed belowdischarge port 160 a.

The periphery of discharge port 160 a has an oval shape and, as such,discharge port 160 a has a maximum discharge area. Accordingly, amaximum amount of air is discharged through oval discharge port 160 a.The cross-section inclined from the central axis SA of cylindrical body120 has an oval shape. Accordingly, discharge port 160 a is formed tohave a cross-section corresponding to the oval cross-section and, assuch, the amount of air discharged through discharge port 160 a ismaximized.

Discharge port 160 a may have a lower end with a circular periphery.Even though the lower-end periphery of discharge port 160 a is formed tohave a circular shape, the upper-end periphery of discharge port 160 amay be formed to have an oval shape.

The surface defined by the upper-end periphery of discharge port 160 amay have a lower inclination with respect to the horizontal directionthan the surface defined by the periphery of suction port 130 a. Thesurface defined by the upper-end periphery of discharge port 160 a maybe inclined to be closer to the horizontal direction than the surfacedefined by the periphery of suction port 130 a.

The discharge area of discharge port 160 a may be smaller than thesuction area of suction port 130 a and, as such, smooth flow of air maybe achieved.

The surface defined by the periphery of at least one of discharge port160 a and suction port 130 a is inclined from the central axis SA ofcylindrical portion of body 120. One of the discharge port 160 a andsuction port 130 a may extend inclinedly, whereas the other of thedischarge port 160 a and suction port 130 a may extend vertically orhorizontally.

Discharge unit 160 includes a discharge panel 161 to define dischargeport 160 a, a console unit 165 disposed over discharge port 160 a whilecovering a portion of discharge port 160 a, to adjust a dischargedirection of air discharged through discharge port 160 a, and a lightingunit 166 disposed at a lower surface of console unit 165, to irradiatelight onto discharge panel 161.

Discharge panel 161 defines an air channel, through which air flows, andforms an upper appearance. Discharge panel 161 has a frustoconical shapewidening gradually in an upward direction.

At least one cross-section of discharge panel 161 has an oval shape.Discharge panel 161 has an upper end with an oval periphery, and a lowerend with a circular or oval periphery.

Discharge panel 161 has an inner surface having at least a portionexposed outwards. The inner surface of discharge panel 161 is curved todiverge in an upward direction. Light emitted from lighting unit 166 isreflected from an upper portion of the inner surface of discharge panel161.

The surface defined by the lower-end periphery of discharge panel 161 isinclined from the central axis SA, to fit the lower-end periphery ofduct 151. The surface defined by the upper-end periphery of dischargepanel 161 is inclined from central axis SA.

The surface defined by the upper-end periphery of discharge panel 161 isparallel or almost parallel to the surface defined by the lower-endperiphery of discharge panel 161 and, as such, air flowing to dischargeport 160 a is discharged in forward and upward directions.

The surface defined by the upper-end periphery of discharge panel 161has a greater size than the surface defined by the lower-end peripheryof discharge panel 161. The air introduction area of discharge panel 161is smaller than the air discharge area of discharge panel 161. The airchannel of discharge panel 161, through which air flows, is graduallywidened in an upward direction, to allow discharged air to be widelyspread.

Console unit 165 is disposed over discharge port 160 a, to cover a rearportion of discharge port 160 a. Console unit 165 is coupled to a top ofdischarge panel 161 at a rear side of discharge panel 161.

Console unit 165 has an upper surface formed to be perpendicular to thecentral axis SA (namely, parallel to the floor in the horizontaldirection, and a lower surface formed to have a shape corresponding tothe shape of the inner surface of discharge panel 161 at a front side ofdischarge panel 161. The upper surface of console unit 165 has arectangular shape. The lower surface of console unit 165 has an archshape, to be closer to the horizontal direction parallel to the floor asthe lower surface of console unit 165 extends in an upward direction.The lower surface of console unit 165 guides air discharged throughdischarge port 160 a to flow as upward as possible. The lower surface ofconsole unit 165 is formed to prevent air discharged through dischargeport 160 a from flowing rearwards and, as such, air discharged throughthe discharge port 160 a is prevented from being directly re-introducedinto the suction port 130 a.

Flow of air guided by the duct 151, discharge panel 161 and console unit165 will be described later with reference to FIG. 18.

Lighting unit 166 includes a light source to emit light and, as such,irradiates light onto an upper portion of the inner surface of dischargepanel 161. A detailed description of lighting unit 166 will be givenlater with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a part of the configuration ofthe air purifier illustrated in FIG. 1.

Blowing body 181 is formed, at a lower end thereof, with inner panelcoupling protrusions 181-1 protruding downwards. Inner panel 129 isformed, at an upper end thereof, with protrusion receiving members 129 aeach having a hole structure to receive a corresponding one of the innerpanel coupling protrusions 181-1. The inner panel coupling protrusions181-1 are inserted into respective protrusion receiving members 129 aand, as such, blowing unit 180 is coupled to inner panel 129 of body120.

A hook may be formed at a lower end of each inner panel couplingprotrusion 181-1, to be engaged with a corresponding one of theprotrusion receiving members 129 a. The hook may be formed as an “L”shape. The “L” shaped hook may be of sufficient size to distribute thecoupling weight of the blowing body 181 evenly to the inner panel 129.

After blowing unit 180 is coupled to inner panel 129 of body 120 throughinsertion of the inner panel coupling protrusions 181-1 into respectiveprotrusion receiving members 129 a, blowing unit 180 and inner panel 129of body 120 may be fastened by bolts.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a portion of the airpurifier illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a view illustrating couplingof a part of the configuration in the air purifier illustrated in FIG.1.

Front panel 121 is formed, at the inner surface thereof, with ductcoupling protrusions 121-1 protruding downwards. Duct 151 is formed, atan outer surface thereof, with protrusion receiving members 151-1 toreceive respective duct coupling protrusions 121-1. Duct couplingprotrusions 121-1 are inserted into respective protrusion receivingmembers 151-1 and, as such, front panel 121 is coupled to duct 151.

After front panel 121 is coupled to duct 151, front panel 121 and innerpanel 129 may be fastened by bolts.

front panel 121 is formed, at lateral ends of the inner surface thereof,with rear panel coupling protrusions 121-2 protruding upwards. Rearpanel 122 is formed, at lateral ends of an inner surface thereof, withprotrusion receiving members 122-2 to receive respective rear panelcoupling protrusions 121-2. Rear panel coupling protrusions 121-2 areinserted into respective protrusion receiving members 122-2 and, assuch, rear panel 122 is coupled to front panel 121.

After rear panel coupling protrusions 121-2 are inserted into respectiveprotrusion receiving members 122-2, front panel 121 and rear panel 122may be fastened by bolts.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, assembly of the air purifier may be achievedby coupling duct 151 to top of blowing unit 180 under the condition thatblowing unit 180 and inner panel 129 of body 120 are fastened, fasteningfront panel 121 to inner panel 129 after coupling front panel 121 toduct 151, and then coupling rear panel 122 to front panel 122.

FIG. 8A is an exploded perspective view illustrating the filter unit ofthe air purifier illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 8B is a lateralcross-sectional view of the filter unit illustrated in FIG. 8A. FIG. 9is a front view of the filter unit illustrated in FIG. 8A. FIG. 10 is aview illustrating mounting of the filter unit illustrated in FIG. 8A.

Filter unit 140 according to the illustrated embodiment of the presentinvention is inclinedly arranged within body 120 while being seated insuction unit 130. The filter surface of filter unit 140, through whichair passes, has an oval periphery. Filter unit 140 is seated on suctiongrill 132-1 and, as such, the filter surface is inclinedly arranged withrespect to the central axis SA.

The filter surface of filter unit 140 is further inclined in an upwarddirection than the surface defined by the periphery of suction port 130a. Filter unit 140 is arranged such that the surface defined by theperiphery of suction port 130 a is further inclined from the horizontaldirection than the filter surface. Air introduced through suction port130 a in forward and upward directions flows upwards in blowing unit180. Accordingly, filter unit 140 arranged between suction port 130 aand blowing unit 180 may be disposed to be closer to the horizontaldirection than suction port 130 a.

The filter surface of filter unit 140 may be less inclined in an upwarddirection than the surface defined by the periphery of discharge port160 a. Filter unit 140 may be arranged such that the surface defined bythe periphery of discharge port 160 a is less inclined from thehorizontal direction than the filter surface.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the periphery of the filter surface in filterunit 140 may have an ovoid shape in which a shorter axis V does not passthrough the center of a longer axis H. That is, in the shape defined bythe periphery of the filter surface, an upper portion thereof may have asmaller minimum curvature than a lower portion thereof.

Filter unit 140 may have an outline with an ovoid shape corresponding tothe shape of the periphery of the filter surface. In the outline offilter unit 140, an upper portion thereof may have a smaller minimumcurvature than a lower portion thereof such that the center of gravity Gis positioned at a lower portion of filter unit 140.

Since the center of gravity G of filter unit 140 is positioned at thelower portion of filter unit 140, filter unit 140 stably inclinedlyslides along the upper surface of suction grill 132-1 during mountingthereof. That is, filter unit 140 is inclinedly seated on the uppersurface of suction grill 132-1 without overturn thereof. In addition,filter unit 140 does not overturn after mounting.

In accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the present invention,filter unit 140 includes a pre-filter 141 for removing foreign matterfrom air, a HEPA filter body 142 disposed above pre-filter 141, to forman accommodation space, a HEPA filter 146 seated in HEPA filter body142, to collect contaminants from air, a deodorizing filter 147-148disposed over HEPA filter 146, to remove odor components from air, and adeodorizing filter body 143 disposed over deodorizing filter 147-148while being coupled to HEPA filter body 142.

Pre-filter 141 primarily removes foreign matter from the intake airpassing through suction port 130 a, which is formed with a grill.Pre-filter 132-1 is disposed on suction grill 132-1. A pre-filterprotrusion 141-1 is formed at a rear side of pre-filter 141. Pre-filterprotrusion 141-1 is exposed outwards through filter identifier 131 b.Pre-filter protrusion 141-1 is inserted into open filter identifier 131b.

HEPA filter body 142 is open at a central portion thereof, and has aperipheral edge, on which HEPA filter 146 and deodorizing filter 147-148are seated. The open portion of HEPA filter body 142 has an oval shapecorresponding to that of suction port 130 a. HEPA filter body 142 isdisposed on pre-filter 141.

A HEPA filter protrusion 142-1 is formed at a rear side of HEPA filterbody 142. HEPA filter protrusion 142-1 is disposed on pre-filterprotrusion 141-1. HEPA filter protrusion 142-1 is exposed outwardsthrough filter identifier 131 b. HEPA filter protrusion 142-1 isinserted into open filter identifier 131 b.

HEPA filter 146 is inserted into HEPA filter body 142, to collectcontaminants from air sucked through suction port 130 a. Deodorizingfilter 147-148 is inserted into HEPA filter body 142 and, as such, isdisposed on HEPA filter 146. Deodorizing filter 147-148 removes odorcomponents from air sucked through suction port 130 a.

HEPA filter 146 and deodorizing filter 147-148 have an oval shapecorresponding to that of suction port 130 a, to purify air suckedthrough suction port 130 a as much as possible.

Deodorizing filter 147-148 may include a plurality of filter members.For example, deodorizing filter 147-148 may include a first deodorizingfilter 147, and a second deodorizing filter 148 layered on firstdeodorizing filter 147.

HEPA filter 146 and deodorizing filter 147-148 form the filter surfaceas described above.

Deodorizing filter body 143 is disposed on deodorizing filter 147-148,and is separably coupled to HEPA filter body 142. Deodorizing filterbody 143 is centrally formed with a grill, to prevent deodorizing filter147-148 from protruding upwards.

A deodorizing filter protrusion 143-1 is formed at a rear side ofdeodorizing filter body 143. Deodorizing filter protrusion 143-1 isdisposed on HEPA filter protrusion 142-1. Deodorizing filter protrusion143-1 may have a recessed portion, to allow the user to graspdeodorizing filter protrusion 143-1. Deodorizing filter protrusion 143-1is exposed outwards through filter identifier 131 b. Deodorizing filterprotrusion 143-1 is inserted into the open filter identifier 131 b.

In order to prevent the user from forgetting to install any of HEPAfilter 146 and deodorizing filter 147-148 during replacement of HEPAfilter 146 or deodorizing filter 147-148 with a new one, pre-filterprotrusion 141-1, HEPA filter protrusion 142-1, and deodorizing filterprotrusion 143-1 are exposed outwards through filter identifier 131 b.

When all constituent elements of filter unit 140 are assembled,pre-filter protrusion 141-1, HEPA filter protrusion 142-1, anddeodorizing filter protrusion 143-1 are exposed outwards through filteridentifier 131 b, as illustrated in FIG. 10(a). When pre-filter 141 isomitted, only HEPA filter protrusion 142-1, and deodorizing filterprotrusion 143-1 are exposed outwards through filter identifier 131 b,as illustrated in FIG. 10(b).

As illustrated in FIG. 8B, ends of pre-filter protrusion 141-1, HEPAfilter protrusion 142-1, and deodorizing filter protrusion 143-1 areformed to be inclined with respect to the filter surface. That is, rearends of pre-filter protrusion 141-1, HEPA filter protrusion 142-1, anddeodorizing filter protrusion 143-1 are formed to be inclined from anair flow direction in filter unit 140.

Filter unit 140 is inclinedly disposed and, as such, pre-filterprotrusion 141-1, HEPA filter protrusion 142-1, and deodorizing filterprotrusion 143-1, which will be exposed through filter identifier 131 b,are inclinedly formed to be integrated with suction panel 131 of suctionunit 130.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating mounting of the filter unit in the airpurifier illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a part ofa lower structure of the air purifier illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 13 isa view illustrating a part of an inner structure of the air purifierillustrated in FIG. 1.

Suction unit 130 according to the illustrated embodiment of the presentinvention is pivotally coupled to body 120, to open or close theinterior of body 120. Suction unit 130 is opened in downward andrearward directions from body 120, to allow filter unit 140 to beinserted into body 120 or to be separated from body 120. Suction unit130 is pivotable with respect to body 120 such that the rear side ofsuction unit 130 moves toward base 110.

Suction unit 130 is pivotally coupled to base 110 while being coupled tobody 120 by a two-link mechanism. Suction panel 131 of suction unit 130is provided with a base coupling pin 131-3 rotatably coupled to base110. Base coupling pin 131-3 protrudes inwards from an inner surface ofsuction panel 131 at a lower end of suction panel 131.

Base 110 is formed with a suction panel coupling member 113 to becoupled to base coupling pin 131-3. Suction panel coupling member 113 isformed with a pin receiving slot 113 a to receive base coupling pin131-3. Pin receiving slot 113 a has an arc shape, to allow base couplingpin 131-3 to slide therealong.

Base coupling pin 131-3 is rotatably and slidably coupled to pinreceiving slot 113 a. Accordingly, suction panel 131 conducts rotationalmovement and translational movement with respect to body 120 and, assuch, pivots without interference with front panel 121 and rear panel122 of body 120.

Suction unit 130 according to the illustrated embodiment of the presentinvention further includes a linkage 139 coupled to body 120. Linkage139 is a two-link mechanism. Linkage 139 is centrally formed with arotation joint. Linkage 139 is pivotally coupled to inner panel 129 ofbody 120 while being pivotally coupled to suction panel 131.

Linkage 139 is formed with a link protrusion 139-9 protruding upwards,at a portion thereof coupled to inner panel 129. Inner panel 129 of body120 is formed with a link stopper 129-9. Link protrusion 1239-9 isengaged with link stopper 129-9 during opening of suction unit 130,thereby preventing suction unit 130 from pivoting excessively. Linkprotrusion 139-9 is engaged with link stopper 129-9 in order to preventsuction panel 131 from contacting the surface (e.g., floor) or base 110due to excessive pivoting of suction unit 130.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, suction body 132 is formed with a filterfixing portion 132-9 protruding from filter support 132-2 in a directionparallel to a surface defined by suction grill 132-1, to lock a portionof filter unit 140. Filter fixing portion 132-9 contacts a front upperportion of filter unit 140, to prevent filter unit 140 from beingseparated in an upward direction during seating thereof on suction grill132-1.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, suction unit 130 pivots from body 120,thereby opening the interior of body 120. The user may mount filter unit140 in body 120 through the opened region or may separate filter unit140 from body 120 through the opened region. When it is desired to mountfilter unit 140 in body 120, the user pushes filter unit 140 into theopened region. In this case, filter unit 140 slides along suction grill132-1, and is then seated on suction grill 132-1 by filter support132-2. Even when the user closes suction unit 130 after mounting filterunit 140 in suction unit 130, filter unit 140 does not overturn or isnot separated in forward and upward directions by virtue of the centerof gravity G of filter unit 140 positioned at a low level and filterfixing portion 132-9.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view illustrating a part of the air purifierillustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 15 is a rear view of the blowing body in theair purifier illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of theblowing fan in the air purifier illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 17 is a viewillustrating a part of a structure of the blowing unit in the airpurifier illustrated in FIG. 1.

Blowing fan 182 rotates by motor 189, thereby blowing air. Blowing fan182 intakes (i.e., sucks) air through suction port 130 a, and dischargessucked air through discharge port 160 a.

Vane member 183 is arranged over blowing fan 182. Blowing unit body 181is arranged at a lower portion of blowing fan 182 around blowing fan182. As illustrated in FIG. 16, in the illustrated embodiment, blowingfan 182 is a centrifugal fan, which intakes (i.e., sucks) air from abottom side, namely, the side of suction unit 130, and laterallydischarges the intake air through discharge port 160 a. The centrifugalfan exhibits a greater amount of blown air than other kinds of fans atthe same rotation speed and at the same size. Accordingly, blowing fan182 may be realized by a centrifugal fan.

Blowing fan 182 includes a shroud 182-1, through which air isintroduced, a plurality of blades 182-2 arranged over shroud 182-1 whilebeing spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction, anda hub 182-3 coupled to motor 189 while supporting blades 182-2.

Shroud 182-1 is formed to have an orifice shape defining a flow channelnarrowing gradually in a downward direction. Shroud 182-1 has a lowerend having a circular shape. Shroud 182-1 is connected to respectiveends of blades 182-2.

Blades 182-2 laterally feed air introduced through shroud 182-1 duringrotation thereof. As illustrated in FIG. 7, each blade 182-2 has, at anair discharge side thereof, a trailing edge bent in a diagonal directionso as to cause discharged air to flow as upward as possible.

Each blade 182-2 also has, at an air introduction side thereof, aleading edge considerably shorter than the trailing edge so as to causedischarged air to flow as upward as possible. Each blade 182-2 isconnected, at an upper end thereof, to hub 182-3 while being connected,at a lower end thereof, to shroud 182-1.

Hub 182-3 is spaced apart from shroud 182-1. Hub 182-3 is connected tomotor 189. Hub 182-3 may have a relatively sharp inclination so as tocause discharged air to flow as upward as possible. That is, hub 182-3may have an outer diameter abruptly reduced as hub 182-3 extends fromthe side of motor 189 to the side of shroud 182-1. Hub 182-3 isconnected to respective upper ends of blades 182-2.

Air discharged from blowing fan 182, which is a centrifugal fan, flowssmoothly in an upward direction by virtue of the outer surface shape ofhub 182-3, the shape of blades 182-2, and the closed peripheral surfaceof blowing body 181.

Blowing body 181 surrounds the lower portion of blowing fan 182 aroundblowing fan 182. Blowing body 181 guides air laterally discharged fromblowing fan 182 toward discharge unit 160, namely, in an upwarddirection. Blowing body 181 is formed, at a lower surface thereof, witha blowing grill 181-3, through which air introduced into shroud 182-1passes. The peripheral surface of blowing body 181 does not have anyopen portion, namely, has the form of a blind wall and, as such, guidesair laterally discharged from blowing fan 182 in an upward direction.

Blowing body 181 is formed, at a lower end thereof, with a ring-shapedspace forming portion 181-9 extending upwards around blowing grill181-3. The space forming portion 181-9 defines a space B spaced apartfrom a lower end of shroud 182-1. The space forming portion 181-9 formsthe space B between the lower end of shroud 182-1 and the lower end ofblowing body 181 and, as such, air flowing downwards from the trailingedges of blades 182-2 is forced to again flow upwards, thereby achievingsuppression of noise generation and an enhancement in efficiency. Thatis, air flowing into the space B formed by the space forming portion181-9 among air discharged via blades 182-2 is introduced into shroud182-1.

Vane member 183 guides upwards air guided upwards by blowing body 181 byblowing fan 182. Air emerging from vane member 183 is guided to duct 151and, as such, flows to discharge unit 160.

Motor 189 is arranged at a central portion of vane member 183. Blowingfan 182 is arranged beneath vane member 183. Vane member 183 is coupled,at a lower end periphery thereof, to an upper end periphery of blowingbody 181.

Vane member 183 includes a plurality of vanes 183-1 extending radiallywhile being spaced apart from one another in a circumferentialdirection. Each vane 183-1 has a plate shape erected in a verticaldirection. Vanes 183-1 are arranged to extend toward a center of vanemember 183. Air guided upwards by blowing body 181 flows upwards byvanes 183-1.

Referring to FIG. 17, each vane 183-1 has the form of an airfoil bent ina bending direction of the trailing edge of each blade 182-2.Accordingly, vanes 183-1 enable air discharged by blades 182-2 to flowsmoothly upwards while reducing noise.

Motor cover 184 is coupled, at a lower surface thereof, to motor 189while being coupled to a top of vane member 183. Motor cover 184 has adome shape in which a central portion thereof is convex upwards and, assuch, it is possible to prevent generation of turbulent flow of air whenair discharged from a peripheral edge of vane member 183 is introducedinto duct 151. The dome shape of the motor cover 184 is more explicitlyillustrated in FIG. 21. The dome shape helps to prevent particles (e.g.,dust) from gathering on the top of the motor cover. Eliminating areasfor contaminants to collect facilitates air purification.

Blowing unit 180 further includes an ionizer 185 arranged at motor cover184, to ionize air flowing through blowing fan 182. A plurality ofionizers 185 may be provided at a central portion of motor cover 184.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view illustrating an upper part of the airpurifier illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the airpurifier illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 20 is a view illustrating afunction of the lighting unit in the air purifier illustrated in FIG. 1.

Duct 151 guides, to discharge unit 160, air flowing upwards by blowingunit 180. Duct 151 has a lower-end periphery defining a surfaceperpendicular to the central axis SA while having an upper-end peripherydefining a surface inclined from the central axis SA and, as such, airflowing upwards by blowing unit 180 is guided in forward and upwarddirections by duct 151.

Duct 151 guides air introduced toward central axis SA of the cylindricalportion of body 120 by blowing unit 180 such that the air flows in adirection inclined from the central axis SA of the cylindrical portionof body 120. That is, duct 151 guides air flowing in an upward directionperpendicular to blowing unit 180 such that the air flows in forward andupward directions.

Duct 151 has a front-end length L1 shorter than a rear-end length L2thereof and, as such, air flowing upwards by blowing unit 180 is guidedto flow in a direction that the periphery of discharge port 160 aextends, namely, in forward and upward directions.

The surface defined by the upper-end periphery of duct 151 is smallerthan the surface defined by the lower-end periphery of duct 151. Thatis, the air channel of duct 151 narrows gradually in an upwarddirection.

The surface defined by the lower-end periphery of discharge panel 161coupled to the top of duct 151 is inclined from the central axis SA. Thesurface defined by the upper-end periphery of discharge panel 161 isalso inclined from the central axis SA. The surface defined by theupper-end periphery of discharge panel 161 extends in the same directionas the surface defined by the lower-end periphery of discharge panel161. That is, the surface defined by the upper-end periphery ofdischarge panel 161 and the surface defined by the lower-end peripheryof discharge panel 161 extend in forward and upward directions.

Discharge port 160 a of discharge panel 161 has a frustoconical shapewidening gradually in an upward direction. The inner surface ofdischarge panel 161 is curved to diverge in an upward direction.Discharge port 160 a has a discharge area increasing gradually in anupward direction, to allow discharged air to be widely spread.

Console unit 165 adjusts the discharge direction of air dischargedthrough discharge port 160 a defined by discharge panel 161. The lowersurface of console unit 165 is formed to be closer to the horizontaldirection parallel to the floor as the lower surface of console unit 165extends in an upward direction. That is, the lower surface of consoleunit 165 is formed to be closer to a direction perpendicular to thecentral axis SA as the lower surface of console unit 165 extends in anupward direction and, as such, guides air discharged toward a rear sideof discharge port 160 a to flow as forward as possible.

The lower surface of console unit 165 has a shape corresponding to theshape of the inner surface of discharge panel 161 at the front portionof discharge panel 161. That is, the lower surface of console unit 165has a curved shape corresponding to the curved shape of the innersurface of discharge panel 161 at the front portion of discharge panel161. Accordingly, air discharged through discharge port 160 a ofdischarge panel 161 flows in forward and upward directions.

Lighting unit 166 is disposed at the lower surface of console unit 165,to irradiate light onto discharge panel 161. The light source isdisposed in lighting unit 166. In the illustrated embodiment, the lightsource may be a light emitting diode (LED). Lighting unit 166 may emitlight of various colors.

Lighting unit 166 may have a disc shape so as to uniformly irradiatelight onto discharge panel 161. Lighting unit 166 may have as small athickness as possible so as to be prevented from interfering with airflowing along the lower surface of console unit 165.

Lighting unit 166 may emit light through a side surface thereof. Lightemitted from the light source of lighting unit 166 is irradiated throughthe side surface of lighting unit 166. The side surface of lighting unit166 is made of a transparent material, to allow light to passtherethrough.

The side surface of lighting unit 166 is formed to be inclined towardthe inner surface of discharge panel 166. The side surface of lightingunit 166 is inclinedly formed to allow light emitted from lighting unit166 to be reflected in a flow direction of air discharged throughdischarge port 161 a after being reflected from the inner surface ofdischarge panel 161. The side surface of lighting unit 166 is inclinedsuch that the periphery of lighting unit 166 is gradually widened in anupward direction.

The inner surface of discharge panel 161 is formed such that an upperportion thereof is exposed outwards and, as such, light emitted from thelighting unit 166 is reflected in the form of a ring shape R. The ringshape R of light reflected from discharge panel 161 is formed inaccordance with the shape of the inner surface of discharge panel 161.In the illustrated embodiment, the ring shape R is an oval or circularshape.

As described above, in discharge panel 161, the surface defined by theupper-end periphery thereof is greater than the surface defined by thelower-end periphery thereof. Accordingly, light emitted from lightingunit 166 is reflected in the form of the ring shape R from a portion ofthe inner surface of discharge panel 161 beneath the upper-end peripheryof discharge panel 161.

The inner surface of discharge panel 161 is formed to have a curvedsurface diverging in an upward direction, as described above.Accordingly, the inner surface of discharge panel 161 reflects lightemitted from lighting unit 166 in the form of the ring shape R.

Discharge panel 161 is formed to reflect light emitted from lightingunit 166 in a flow direction of air discharged through discharge port160 a. Discharge panel 161 is formed to reflect light emitted fromlighting unit 166 in a direction inclined from the central axis SA. Thatis, discharge panel 161 is formed to reflect light emitted from lightingunit 166 in forward and upward directions.

The surface defined by the ring shape R formed by light reflected bydischarge panel 161 may be inclined from the central axis SA. Thesurface defined by the ring shape R formed by light reflected bydischarge panel 161 may be parallel to the surface defined by one of theperipheries of discharge port 160 a. The surface defined by the ringshape R formed by light reflected by discharge panel 161 may be parallelto the upper-end periphery or lower-end periphery of discharge panel161.

Console unit 165 includes an operating unit 165-1 disposed on an uppersurface of console unit 165 perpendicular to the central axis SA, toreceive an input from the user, and a display unit 165-2 disposed on theupper surface of console unit 165, to display an operation state of theair purifier. Display unit 165-2 may emit light, to display an operationstate of the air purifier. Display unit 165-2 may emit light of variouscolors. Display unit 165-2 may emit light of the same color as lightemitted from lighting unit 166.

Lighting unit 166 may emit light of different colors according todifferent contamination degrees of air sucked into suction port 130 a. Acontamination sensor (not shown) is provided at body 120, to measure acontamination degree of air sucked into suction port 130 a. Lightingunit 166 emits light of different colors according to differentcontamination degrees measured by the contamination sensor.

For example, when the contamination degree of air is high, lighting unit166 emits red light and, as such, the ring shape R exhibits red. Whenthe contamination degree of air is low, lighting unit 166 emits greenlight and, as such, the ring shape R exhibits green. Similarly, displayunit 165-2 emits red light when the contamination degree of air is high,and emits green light when the contamination degree of air is low.

Hereinafter, operation of the air purifier as described above will bedescribed.

When blowing fan 182 rotates by motor 189, ambient air is intook (i.e.,sucked) through suction port 130 a of suction unit 130. Ambient airpresent near the lower portion of the air purifier at the rear side ofthe air purifier is sucked through suction port 130 a in forward andupward directions.

Intake air sucked through suction port 130 a is filtered while passingthrough pre-filter 141 of filter unit 140, to remove foreign mattertherefrom. The resultant air then passes through HEPA filter 146 and, assuch, contaminants are collected. Thereafter, the air passes throughdeodorizing filter 147-148 and, as such, odor components are removed.

The air purified while passing through filter unit 140 flows upwardsalong inner panel 129 and, as such, reaches blowing grill 181-3 ofblowing body 181.

Air emerging from blowing grill 181-3 is introduced into shroud 182-1,and is then discharged along the trailing edges of blades 182-2. Airdischarged from blades 182-2 flows upwards along the peripheral surfaceof blowing body 181, and then flows upwards while passing vanes 183-1.In this case, a portion of air discharged from blades 182-2, namely, airflowing downwards, is again introduced into shroud 182-1 via the space Bdefined between blowing body 181 and the space forming portion 181-9.

Air emerging from vanes 183-1 is introduced into duct 151 above motorcover 184. Air introduced into duct 151 is guided in forward and upwarddirections and, as such, is discharged through discharge port 160 a ofdischarge panel 161.

Air emerging from discharge port 160 a of discharge panel 161 isdischarged in forward and upward directions of the air purifier bydischarge panel 161 and the lower surface of console unit 165.

Meanwhile, during operation of motor 189, lighting unit 166 irradiates,onto discharge panel 161, light of a color according to thecontamination degree of air sucked into suction port 130 a. Dischargepanel 161 reflects light irradiated from lighting unit 166 in the formof the ring shape R.

The above-described technical idea may be applied not only to an airpurifier, but also to an air conditioner and the like, in which airflows.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have beendisclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art willappreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions arepossible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

One or more of the following effects may be provided in accordance withthe air purifier of the present disclosure.

First, there is an advantage in that it is possible to minimize aninstallation area while achieving an increase in air purificationcapacity.

Second, the filter unit, which has an oval filter surface, is inclinedlyarranged within the cylindrical body of the air purifier and, as such,there is an advantage in that it is possible to maximize the amount ofair passing through the filter while achieving a maximum airpurification capacity.

Third, there are advantages in that the filter unit includes variouskinds of filter members, to maximize air purification effects, and aportion of each filter member is exposed outwards, to allow the user toeasily check non-installation of the filter members.

Fourth, the filter unit is inclinedly arranged at an appropriateinclination and, as such, there is an advantage in that air flowssmoothly from the inclined suction port to the inclined discharge port.

What is claimed is:
 1. An air purifier comprising: a body having acylindrical shape at a portion thereof; a suction unit, arranged at alower portion of the body, having a suction port to intake air; adischarge unit, arranged at an upper portion of the body, having adischarge port to output the intake air; a blowing unit arranged withinthe body, to blow air from the suction unit to the discharge unit; and afilter unit arranged within the body, to purify the blown air, whereineach of the suction port and the discharge port has a surface that isinclined from a central axis of the body, wherein the filter unit has afilter surface, through which air passes, the filter surface beinginclined from the central axis and having an ovoid shape and a center ofgravity positioned at a lower portion thereof, wherein the suction portand the discharge port, and the filter surface of the filter unit areinclined in a same direction.
 2. The air purifier of claim 1, whereinthe surface of the at least one of the suction port and the dischargeport is an ovoid shape in which a shorter axis does not pass through acenter of a longer axis.
 3. The air purifier of claim 1, wherein thesurface of the at least one of the suction port and the discharge portis an oval shape.
 4. The air purifier of claim 1, wherein the filterunit comprises: a pre-filter for removing foreign matter from air; aHEPA filter disposed above the pre-filter in a HEPA filter body, tocollect contaminants from air; a deodorizing filter disposed above theHEPA filter, to remove odor components from air; and a deodorizingfilter body disposed above the deodorizing filter.
 5. The air purifierof claim 4, wherein: the pre-filter includes a pre-filter protrusion;the HEPA filter body is provided with a HEPA filter protrusion that isdisposed on the pre-filter protrusion; and the deodorizing filter bodyis provided with a deodorizing filter protrusion that is disposed on theHEPA filter protrusion.
 6. The air purifier of claim 5, wherein thesuction unit is provided with a filter identifier formed by opening aportion of the suction panel, to expose the pre-filter protrusion, theHEPA filter protrusion, and the deodorizing filter protrusion.
 7. Theair purifier of claim 6, wherein the pre-filter protrusion, the HEPAfilter protrusion, and the deodorizing filter protrusion are coupledwith the filter identifier.
 8. The air purifier of claim 5, wherein thepre-filter protrusion, the HEPA filter protrusion, and the deodorizingfilter protrusion are integrally formed with the suction unit.
 9. Theair purifier of claim 5, wherein each of the pre-filter protrusion, theHEPA filter protrusion, and the deodorizing filter protrusion has a rearend inclined from the filter surface.
 10. The air purifier of claim 4,wherein the deodorizing filter comprises a plurality of filter members,and the plurality of filter members comprises a first deodorizing filtermember and a second deodorizing filter member that is disposed on thefirst deodorizing filter member.
 11. The air purifier of claim 1,wherein: the suction unit is provided with a suction grill disposed atthe suction port; and the filter unit is disposed on the suction grillsuch that the filter surface is inclined from the central axis of thecylindrical body portion.
 12. The air purifier of claim 1, wherein theinclined filter surface extends further in an upward direction than thesurface of the suction port.
 13. The air purifier of claim 11, whereinthe inclined filter surface extends lower in an upward direction thanthe surface of the discharge port.
 14. The air purifier of claim 1,wherein the suction port and discharge port, and filter unit are eachinclined at substantially the same angle relative to the central axis.15. The air purifier of claim 14, wherein the angle is between 40 and 60degrees.